Queensland State Library

The Queensland State Library is operated by the Queensland Government. It is located at Southbank in South Brisbane and opens almost every day of the year apart from some public holidays. There is a large family history section containing books, and other records typically found in family history libraries. However, they have some specially valuable items not found in other family history libraries: a huge microfilm collection of Queensland newspapers and the current electoral roll.

The Queensland State Library is a reference library, which means you cannot borrow materials from it but must consult the information in the library. However, they have an "Ask a Librarian" online service to assist those who are unable to visit the library in person. It is sometimes said that this service is only available to residents of Queensland, but in practice this restriction is randomly enforced.

The library's catalogue is available online but is not the easiest one to use. Nonetheless once you have mastered it, you can see easily if a particular resource is available before visiting the library.

Queensland Newspapers

The best collection of old and contemporary Queensland newspapers is held by the Queensland State Library. The closest rival would be the University of Queensland.

Using the online catalogue you can find what newspapers may have been published in your area of interest and what date ranges are held by the library.

The microform and family history collection are located on Level 3 of the Queensland State Library, tucked away in the back corner. There are about a dozen microfilm readers; you need to ask at the desk in the microform area to use them. Be warned; the microfilm readers are very popular, so come early or be prepared to be put on the waiting list. Generally you cannot pre-book the microfilm readers, but I am told if you are coming from out of town for a short visit, they may allow you to pre-book (probably worth a phone call to try to pre-book if that's your situation).

The staff of the family history unit are generally very experienced with the records held by the library and their advice can be invaluable. If you are in any way unsure what to do, ask them. Generally the library seem to try to ensure that at least one member of the family history staff is on duty at all times, augmented by some casual staff (particularly on weekends). The casual staff are generally well-meaning and helpful but not the most well-informed, so you may need to seek out the regular staff member for a complex family history question. As a general rule, the regular staff tend to be older and the casual staff younger, but it's not an infallible principle.

External Links

• Queensland State Library - main page